The Flyers are into a rough opening stretch, and the search for answers is already in full swing. There are plenty of theories floating around about why things have gone sideways this quickly, but the bottom line is simple: this start has been brutal, and the club is still trying to figure out what the right mix looks like.
One of the more obvious signs of that search has been the constant shuffling of the lineup. The Flyers have kept hitting the scramble button, hoping a different look will finally provide a spark. There was at least some promise in that approach, but it still wasn’t enough to get them over the line against the Hurricanes on Saturday.
Even with the problems piling up, the Flyers have one major reason things aren’t looking even worse: Joseph Woll has been playing well enough to keep them afloat. Without that level of goaltending, the picture would be uglier.
The roster still feels like it’s missing something, and there’s even a growing thought that they may be missing Denver Barkey more than they realize. Whatever the exact answer is, the concerns are stacking up fast. The lack of urgency in parts of the lineup and locker room has become part of the conversation, and that’s not exactly the kind of issue a team wants attached to it this early.
There are still pieces worth watching, though. It’s possible to step back and identify what isn’t working while also giving credit to the parts that are holding up. Right now, the Flyers are trying to get things moving by tightening up their habits and working from there.
And as the club looks for help and options, the Oilers have once again surfaced in whispers as a possible trade partner with the Flyers.
In Other News...
Flyers Make A Tough Lineup Call As Barkey Returns
Denver Barkey is on track to give the Flyers another look against Tampa Bay, with the young forward expected to make his season debut after working back from a lower-body injury. Rick Tocchet confirmed Barkey is likely to play and pointed to the qualities that make him intriguing for this roster, especially his hockey sense and ability to create offense. It is the kind of return that can quietly shift the feel of a lineup, particularly for a team still sorting out which young pieces are ready for bigger minutes.
The move also comes with a tough decision elsewhere, as Alex Bump is expected to come out of the lineup to make room. For a club trying to balance development with immediate performance, those calls can say plenty about where the staff sees its depth chart right now. Dan Vladar will also be back in goal for his second start of the season, adding another layer to a game that will offer a clearer picture of how the Flyers want to line up as Barkey re-enters the mix. [Read more 🡒]
Flyers Linked To A Young Defenseman Worth A Bold Push
Contract talks in Detroit have turned into one of the more closely watched subplot lines of the offseason, and a young defenseman with size and upside is now at the center of it. Philadelphia is among the teams reportedly monitoring the situation, with the kind of blue-line profile that tends to draw attention if it becomes available.
Simon Edvinssons frustration with his contract negotiations has opened the door to the possibility of a move, even as the Red Wings still want to work something out. Seattle and Pittsburgh are also said to be in the mix, which means any team serious about making a push may have to come in aggressively before Detroit is forced to decide whether to keep negotiating or listen more seriously to outside interest. [Read more 🡒]
Flyers Get Timely Boost Before Tampa Bay But Two Statuses Loom
The Flyers got a little healthier at the right time as they prepared for Tampa Bay, with the latest injury report bringing some encouragement to a lineup that has had to absorb its share of bumps. Denver Barkey appears close to returning from a lower-body injury, and his progress gives Philadelphia another option as it looks to sharpen its depth for a tough matchup.
There is still some uncertainty, though, because Rasmus Ristolainen remains in the mix after leaving a recent game with a hand issue. Barkeys possible return also comes with a procedural wrinkle, since he would have to come off injured reserve first, which could mean a corresponding roster move before he is available. [Read more 🡒]